Built by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo for Cosimo de' Medici, the Palazzo stands as a testament to the power and influence of the Medici banking family. From relatively humble origins, the Medici rose to prominence in Renaissance Firenze through banking and patronizing many famous artist including: Michelangelo Buonarotti, Filippo Brunelleschi, and Leonardo da Vinci. Along with patronizing the arts, the Medici were politically formidable and claim among their number Counts, Dukes, Royalty, and Popes.